Road safety: Pedestrians

New rules at pedestrian crossovers and school crossings

As of January 1, 2016, drivers - including cyclists - must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard.

These new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.

Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.

There are four types of pedestrian crossovers in Ontario. Three of them are new designs. See Q9 below.

It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver.

For pedestrians

It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver.

Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights. Don't cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars.

Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step into the road.

Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it's dark.

At a traffic light:

Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.

Begin to cross at the start of the green light or “Walk” signal, where provided.

Do not start to cross if you see a flashing “Do Not Walk” symbol or the light turns yellow. If you already started to cross, complete your crossing in safety.

Never cross on a red light.

Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways.

For drivers

Pay special attention to pedestrians as you drive. Here are some tips to follow:

Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.

Watch for children. Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas, or any other area where children could be walking or playing.

Watch out for Community Safety Zone signs that indicate areas where public safety is a special concern, including the possibility of encountering pedestrians.

Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need more time to cross the road.

Drive carefully near streetcar stops with islands or zones for passengers getting on and off. Pass them at reasonable speeds, and always be ready in case pedestrians make sudden or unexpected moves.

Fines

Drivers will be fined $150 to $500 and 3 demerit points for offences at pedestrian crossings, school crossings and at crosswalks where there are traffic signals. The maximum fine for running a red light - a practice that puts pedestrians at risk - is $200 to $1000.

Fines are doubled in Community Safety Zones, near schools and public areas. These areas are clearly marked with signs.

For parents

Show your children how to cross a road safely. Teach them to:

Stay to the side of the road, walking as far away from traffic as they safely can

Stop at the edge of the sidewalk, and look both ways before crossing the road

Take extra care on roadways that have no curbs

Watch out for blind corners (for example, a car coming out of an alley may not see a child pedestrian about to cross).

As of January 1, 2016, drivers - including cyclists - must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard.

These new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.

Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.

Q2: Why are cyclists included with cars in this law?

Cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers and may face the same fine as drivers – the new law requires cyclists to stop and yield the whole roadway to pedestrians and school crossing guards before proceeding.

Q3: Why did the province make this change?

This new law is intended to make roads safer for school children, pedestrians and school crossing guards. Pedestrians, school children and school crossing guards are among the most vulnerable road users. The new law responds to recommendations related to pedestrian safety in the Chief Coroner’s Report on Pedestrian Deaths released in 2012 and also to numerous requests from municipalities and safety organizations.

Q4: Where does the new law apply? Not apply?

Applies at:

Does not apply at:

All pedestrian crossovers.

School crossings and any location where a school crossing guard is present.

Crosswalks – with or without traffic signals or stop signs – unless a school crossing guard is present

Q5: What is the difference between a pedestrian crossover and a crosswalk?

The new law applies at all pedestrian crossovers, not at crosswalks, unless a school crossing guard is present.

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road. There are 3 new types of pedestrian crossovers (see Q9 below).

A crosswalk is a crossing location usually found at intersections with traffic signals, pedestrian signals or stop signs. A crosswalk can be:

the portion of a roadway that connects sidewalks on opposite sides of the roadway into a continuous path; or,

the portion of a roadway that is indicated for pedestrian crossing by signs, lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway at any location, including an intersection.

Illustration of crosswalks at an intersection with traffic signals and pedestrian signals

Q6: What is a school crossing?

A school crossing is any pedestrian crossing where a school crossing guard is present and displaying a school crossing stop sign.

Drivers and cyclists must wait until children, school crossing guards and all pedestrians have completely crossed the road

Q7: Does the law apply province wide?

As of January 1, 2016 the new law applies province wide to all pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a school crossing guard.

Q8: What are the penalties?

Drivers and cyclists may face a fine in the range of $150-$500 – drivers may also face 3 demerit points. Fines will be doubled in community safety zones.

Q9: Are there any new types of crossovers where this law applies?

Yes. In response to requests from municipalities for more options for pedestrian crossovers, road authorities may choose to install one of the new types of crossovers.The law also applies at these new types of pedestrian crossovers.

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road